Star Afghanistan player fined and sanctioned post SA vs AFG T20 World Cup 2026 clash

Post a frustrating defeat against South Africa in the T20 World Cup 2026 at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, Afghanistan, Afghanistan has received another bad news as their star all-rounder, Mohammad Nabi, has been fined 15 percent of his match fee for breaching Level 1 of the ICC Code of Conduct in the first innings of the fixture.

Mohammad Nabi was found to have breached Article 2.4 of the ICC Code of Conduct for Players and Player Support Personnel, which is related to the ‘disobeying an umpire’s instruction during the international encounter.’ The incident took place at the beginning of the 14th over of the innings, where Nabi got engaged in a fiery discussion with the umpires.

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The root of the issue was the wristband worn by the Protea pacer, Lungi Ngidi. The pacer started with the yellow colored wrist band before the sweat and humidity faded its yellowish color and made it nearly a white wrist band, which created a problem for Nabi in finding the ball from the hand of the bowler.

Mohammad Nabi fined after SA vs AFG T20 World Cup 2026 clash 

Aiden Markram discussed with the umpire and Nabi, who was reluctant not to continue the game, unless or until Ngidi takes it off. The lanky pacer eventually crossed the ball from his right hand to the left and started the over. Nabi was right in his way, with the white wrist band making it difficult for the batters to sight the white ball.

The veteran all-rounder later admitted the offence and accepted the sanction, which was proposed by David Gilbert of the Emirates ICC International Panel of Match Referees. That means there will not be any requirement for a formal hearing, as Nabi got his first demerit point in the 24 months.

The close encounter in Ahmedabad ended in two super overs. The first super over was drawn, thanks to the last ball six by Tristian Stubbs before Keshav Maharaj held his nerve against Rahmanullah Gurbaz, who kept the hopes alive for the Afghanistan side with three successive sixes, to pocket the nervy victory.